1. What are the sample stages available at the Powder Diffraction beamline?
The X-ray diffraction patterns from samples prepared in capillaries give the highest peak resolution, therefore this form of sample preparation is the most commonly used in user experiments. The capillaries are mounted in standard goniometer heads (two tilt and two translation axes). The goniometer heads can be attached to a single sample spinner (Figure 1) or an eight position multi-sample spinner (Figure 2).  

	Figure 1. Single sample spinner
	Figure 2. Multi-position sample spinner showing the eight positions

2. Is the heating and cooling ancillary equipment compatible with the single and the multi-sample spinner?
The single sample spinner is completely compatible with the low- and high-temperature ancillaries on the beamline and the spinning speed is adjustable. The multi-sample spinner (Figure 2) can hold up to eight standard goniometer heads and the sample position can be controlled independently at the beamline control station or as part of an automated EPICS scan programme. The MSS has limited compatibility with the cryostream ancillary and the hot-air blower.

3. Can users construct and bring their own sample stages?
Users' own sample stages can be used, providing they fit within the constraints of the omega circle.  Refer to 'Diffractometer mounting space for sample stages.pdf' (click here to download 111kb pdf for this information).

4. What can I mount my sample stage on?
Sample stages requiring centering adjustment may be mounted to a Huber 5102.20 XY stage (Figure 3) which is positioned on the omega circle. Each axis on the X-Y stage is capable of plus or minus 15 mm translation and can be controlled via the beamline control station. Samples not requiring this additional adjustment can be mounted directly to the omega circle, as in 'Diffractometer mounting space for sample stages.pdf' (see above to download this file). For an engineering drawing of the XY-stage and also information on the hole pattern that may be used for mounting sample stages, see 'XY-stage_DRAWING.pdf' (click here to download 105kb pdf).

5. How far is it from the face of the mounting to the beam?

The distance from the face of the omega circle to the beam centre is 250 mm.  The distance from the face of the XY-stage when mounted on the omega circle to the beam centre line is 188 mm. An example of a user constructed stage can be seen in Figure 4 and is shown as a guide only.